Posted on 03/15/2010 9:52:45 AM PDT by kcvl
Hillary Rodham Clinton's State Department is spending $5.4 million to buy fine crystal stemware for American embassies -- but it won't give the US economy much of a boost.
The contract was given to a tiny Washington, DC, interior designer, which in turn subcontracted the crystal work to a Swedish firm -- snubbing such US companies as the famous manufacturer in Clinton's own back yard, Steuben Crystal of upstate Corning.
The firm didn't even get a chance to bid on the contract, which will outfit embassies and ambassadors' residences with fancy crystal for ritzy functions.
Ironically, under the no-bid contract, some of the crystal is to be custom-crafted to include the seal of the United States, although Swedes will do all of the manufacturing.
Contracting rules require any American firms that subcontract work to use a domestic firm or get a waiver.
The firm that got the contract, Systems Design Inc., is a small interior-design firm in tony Georgetown. The company, which is eligible for minority small-business contracts, does not appear to have done any similar work.
After getting the contract in September, the firm subcontracted to Swedish glassmaker Orrefors/Kosta Boda USA.
Department spokesman Darby Holladay said Systems Design couldn't find a domestic producer who could meet the 100 percent lead-free requirement, although a Steuben spokesman said it does manufacture lead-free crystal.
(Excerpt) Read more at nypost.com ...
Hillary does in NYS jobs. Corning, NY could have use a little economic boost.
Guess this is what the current administration menas when they focus like a laser beam on jobs for Americans.
It used to be that leaded crystal was a coveted commodity. It looked nicer due to the higher refractive index, and the amount of lead that leached out into beverages in normal use was so minute as to be harmless.
Whoever makes the non-leaded product, whether Steuben or this Swedish company, will produce an item that, but for the custom seal, looks like $1 Libby glasses.
And the kickback?
Just asking!!!
What happened to the older crystal anyhow? Do they use each piece only once?
It was probably swiped from Special Air Mission One when it took the Clintons to NY in 2000.
Unbelievable.
What happened to the older crystal anyhow? Do they use each piece only once?
After getting the contract in September, the firm subcontracted to Swedish glassmaker Orrefors/Kosta Boda USA.
Neat trick
And the kickback?
Just asking!!!
I’m guessing that Hillary’s tony home will be remodelled and redecorated pro bono at some politically convienent time in the future. Also, Hillary burnishes her “cosmo” image with her Georgetown set. Just my guess.
I know Ikea is Swedish for particleboardBUT
Orrefors/Kosta Boda USA. is Swedish for ???
kickbacks???
subterfuge???
middle man profit increase???
set aside go around???
Demonstratiing, once again, that there is no depth to which this gang of thugs will not stoop to aggrandize themselves, diss the US and shower contempt on US industry and labor.
I have Orrefors stemware that I bought in the early 70’s for less than $10 per goblet. Last I price it, it was several times that per stem. It is very beautiful, so at least hillary! has good taste in spite of her poor judgement.
Darlene Gardner
Interior Designer
Systems Design, Inc.
Washington, D.C.
Donation of $500 to Barack Obama
The Minority Firm in Georgetown that appears to never have done anysimilar work before was just founded in August by several Good Donors! This is Dispicable!! American Embassies must showcase American Made Products, and especially so when We have a Premier Crystal Maker right here-STEUBEN CRYSTAL!! uess we know that STEUBEN did not bow to the OBOZO Threats......:-(
This was Eric Massa’s district. BTW, right next to Louise Slaugters’.
Corning, NY that is.
B-tch of Kosovo!
Hillary is the enemy and has always been the enemy.
Who would ever vote for this pig is a fool.
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